Island Equipment Rentals, which has a store in Parksville, has opened a second location in Duncan.
The Duncan store opened just last week at 5136 Polkey Rd., and manager Tony Brooks said a grand opening is planned when the dust settles.
Island Equipment Rentals rents everything from lawn mowers to forklifts needed for minor home repairs to major construction projects.
“There’s certainly a niche for this kind of business in the Duncan area,” Brooks said. “Spring is a great time for a store like this to open as people begin home and garden projects. We look forward to operating here.”
First West’s Bene in the running for HR award
The First West Credit Union’s Ilka Bene, who is from the Cowichan Valley, has been named a finalist for the Award of Excellence- HR Professional of the Year.
The award is a prestigious industry designation that acknowledges top human-resources talent. It is sponsored by the Chartered Professionals in Human Resources of BC and Yukon.
Bene was nominated for her contributions in bridging the culture of Island Savings Credit Union into the larger First West organization during the recent merger.
“I’ve been honing my skills and advancing human-resources practices for more than 30 years; the last 15 with our credit union,” said Bene, who is the assistant vice president of human resources at First West.
“Through my career, I’ve always maintained my commitment to excellence, so to be nominated by my colleagues and industry peers for this significant award is truly overwhelming.”
Co-op, Buckerfields fund new VIU course
Funding from Peninsula Co-op and Buckerfield’s is helping pay for a new course at Vancouver Island University.
The first-of-its kind Indigenous and Western Science course focuses on plants and their relationship to human health and the environment from both the native and western viewpoints.
Both businesses contributed $10,000 to the campaign to outfit the course’s science lab with equipment.
“We are honoured to have been able to provide funding for such an amazing science course that is the first of its kind at VIU,” said Penny Sopel, Peninsula Co-op’s marketing and community relations manager.
“The learning experience is fantastic, and the knowledge these students gain about plants extremely educational.”
Chevron fuelling up Easter Seals Camp Shawnigan
Chevron Canada is stepping up to the plate to help Easter Seals Camp Shawnigan.
Thanks to the support of Chevron, the disabled kids who will be visiting the camp this summer will not only have a great summer experience at the fully accessible site, they will be transported around the community on outings thanks to the gas company, which will be donating the fuel.
“Investing in community programs across the province is important to Chevron, and we are pleased to support Easter Seals camps in B.C. with a contribution of fuel,” said Adien Byrne, a Chevron spokesman.
“We know it’s important for Camp Shawnigan to offer outings into the community and enable campers to experience our local parks, lakes and other amenities.”
Prima Strada partner with Averill Creek Vineyard
Pizzeria Prima Strada has partnered with the Cowichan Valley’s Averill Creek Vineyard to create a new private-label house wine, called Vino della Casa.
Vino della Casa will consist of one red wine, Prima Prevost, and one white wine, Prima Grigio, which come from Averill Creek.
Andrew Johnson, Pizzeria Prima Strada’s director of operations, said the wines are expressive, approachable and very well made.
“The attractive fruit flavours make these wines a joy to drink on their own, or a great companion to a meal,” he said.
“We are thrilled to be working with Andy and Wendy Johnston, owners of Averill Creek.”
Viridian donation powers up Green Community
The Cowichan Green Community recently received a $10,000 donation from Viridian Energy Co-operative for 10 solar panels.
The panels were recently installed by workers from Viridian Energy at the CGC’s building at 360 Duncan St.
The workers installed a 2.65 KW system on the CGC roof which will produce an average of 1100 kWh annually.
“When we purchased this building in 2012, it was our dream to have solar energy,” said Judy Stafford, executive director of CGC.
“Watching the escalating expenses of our extensive renovations however, meant that dream had to be put on hold…until now.”
Galaxy Motors, Motorsport Circuit take top honours
Galaxy Motors in Duncan took top prize in the retail renovation category at the 10th Annual Vancouver Island Real Estate Board Commercial Building Awards, held in Nanaimo on April 20.
North Cowichan’s Vancouver Island Motorsport Circuit was the winner of the recreational category.
The awards celebrate the best in commercial, community and industrial buildings north of the Malahat on Vancouver Island which were completed between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31, 2016.
More than 50 projects were eligible this year for the awards, and there were 28 finalists in 12 categories.
Robert.Barron @cowichanvalleycitizen.com